Dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A container for product to be dispensed takes the form a body defining a compartment for storing frozen confection such as ice cream and sorbet, and a receptacle releasably coupled with the body. The body has a lower region with an outlet through which the frozen confection to be dispensed from the compartment. The receptacle defines an open chamber, when decoupled from the container, for receiving frozen confection dispensed through said outlet. An external profile of the body is configured to nest with internal profile of the receptacle, with the outlet of the body covered by the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body. An internal surface of the receptacle is configured to engage an external surface of the body, for releasably coupling the receptacle with the body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to containers of the kind having an outlet through which product is to be dispensed, e.g. food product, such as ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is known from previous applications, such as WO96/01224 and WO94/13154, to provide containers from which food product, particularly ice cream and other frozen confections (e.g. sorbet or frozen yoghurt), can be extruded through an outlet whose cross-section is less than the cross-section of the container. Reducing the internal volume of the container can be done in a range of different ways, such as deforming the container or by using a piston inside the container. The containers have an outlet through which product is discharged, and the outlet serves to shape the product during discharge therethrough.

Typically, the outlet is sealed by a removable tab or sticker, in order to help seal product within the container. The tab or sticker has to be removed before product can be dispensed through the outlet. However, such arrangements have proven to be problematic for use in fully automated dispensing operations. Hence, an alternative solution is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a container for product to be dispensed. The container comprises a body defining a chamber for storing product to be dispensed, the body having an outlet in a lower region of the body, through which product is to be dispensed from the chamber. The container further comprises a part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet in order to reduce the volume within the chamber, for dispensing product through the outlet, wherein a receptacle is releasably coupled with the body of the container, said receptacle defining an open chamber, when decoupled from the container, for receiving product dispensed through said outlet; wherein the outlet of the container is covered by the receptacle, when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body.

The invention provides a convenient arrangement for storing and dispensing product from the container. The receptacle is releasably coupled with the container before, during or after a filling operation, such that product can be stored in the container compartment with the receptacle releasably attached to the container. The receptacle is thereby conveniently located for use during a dispensing operation through said outlet, where it can be released from the container body and used to collect product being dispensed through the outlet, for example.

Advantageously, engagement between the receptacle and the container body may be configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle and the container body, meaning that a protective tab or sticker is not required for the outlet; effectively, the receptacle becomes a closure for the outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the container comprises:

-   -   a body defining a compartment for storing product to be         dispensed, the body having an upper region and a lower region,         wherein an outlet is provided in said lower region, and wherein         product is intended to be dispensed from the compartment through         the outlet, in use;     -   wherein a receptacle is releasably coupled with the body, said         receptacle defining an open chamber, when decoupled from the         body, for receiving product dispensed through said outlet;     -   wherein the lower region of the body extends into the chamber of         the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with         the body;     -   wherein the outlet of the body is covered by the receptacle when         the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body;     -   wherein an internal surface of the receptacle is configured to         engage an external surface of the body, for releasably coupling         the receptacle with the container body; and     -   wherein the container further comprises a part configured to         move or deform in the direction of the outlet, in order to         reduce volume within the compartment, for dispensing product         through the outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle has a base at the bottom of the open chamber, the base having an upper surface. The upper surface of the base includes a convex portion, concentric with the central axis of the receptacle. The convex portion engages the outlet of the container body, to help seal the outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the convex portion in the upper surface of the base of the receptacle is formed as a result of a concavity in a bottom surface of the base of the receptacle.

In exemplary embodiments, an internal profile of the receptacle is configured to nest with an external profile of the container body. The term ‘nest’ is intended to mean that the container body fits within the receptacle such that a portion of the internal profile of the receptacle follows a portion of the external profile of the container body. When the receptacle is coupled with the container body there is substantially no separation between the portion of the internal profile of the receptacle and the portion of the external profile of the container body. In fact, a majority of the internal profile of the receptacle is in contact with the external profile of the container body. This reduces the space envelope required for the container, reducing the storage space required as well as facilitating transport and delivery of multiple containers.

Preferably, an upper surface of the base of the receptacle contacts a bottom surface of the body of the container.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle has a base at the bottom of the open topped chamber, the base having an upper surface, the upper surface of the base including a convex portion, concentric with the central axis of the receptacle, wherein the convex portion engages the outlet of the container body, to help seal the outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the body defines a lower region of the compartment and the part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet defines an upper region of the compartment, such that the body is open at an end opposite the outlet so that the lower region of the compartment can be charged with product before the body and part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet are attached to one another during assembly of the container.

In exemplary embodiments, the part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet is a lid configured to fit on the body of the container, preferably with a snap or interference fit.

The dimensions of the receptacle helps to ensure that the receptacle does not significantly increase the space envelope of the container compared to a container without the receptacle, but the receptacle is still of a sufficient size to allow it to be used as a bowl by a user. In other words, the receptacle can be made large enough that it defines a sufficient volume to contain an appropriate portion of frozen product for a consumer, and it is suitable for use as a bowl.

It should be repeated that the term ‘receptacle’ in this specification is intended to specifically mean an open-topped ‘cup’ that defines a sufficient volume that it can contain an appropriate portion of frozen product for a consumer, and it is suitable for use as a bowl. This is entirely different to closures of the prior art, which are not suitable for use as a bowl and require a separate bowl or cup to be provided in order to collect the product as it is dispensed. Further, advantageously, the receptacle can be sized to match the capacity of the container, to help ensure good presentation of the dispensed product.

In exemplary embodiments, an internal surface of the receptacle is configured for engagement (e.g. snap or interference fit) with an external surface of the container body, for releasably coupling the receptacle with the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the product to be dispensed is semi-solid, e.g. ice-cream or other frozen food product.

It will be understood that an ice bond may exist between the container and the receptacle in certain applications, e.g. as a result of storage in freezing conditions, in which case heating or some other form of agitation, that may include rotation of the container and/or receptacle, may be required to break or reduce said bond, and thereby ensure fully automatic decoupling of the receptacle from the container as product is expressed from the container outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, an underside of the receptacle defines an annular surface spaced from but concentric with said central axis.

In exemplary embodiments, the annular surface on the underside of the receptacle may be engaged by a suction device forming part of a dispensing machine, e.g. for assisting decoupling of the receptacle from the container, for positioning the receptacle in a desired location for receiving product from the container during a dispensing operation, and/or delivering the receptacle to a user after a dispensing operation.

In exemplary embodiments, the container body defines an external shoulder, wherein the receptacle has a rim at its upper end, intended to abut against the shoulder when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body. In exemplary embodiments, the distance between the base of the container and the shoulder is less than the depth of the internal side wall of the receptacle.

In exemplary embodiments, the distance between the base of the container and the shoulder is less than the depth of the external side wall of the receptacle. As a result, the receptacle provides an increased external area onto which product information may be displayed (i.e. as opposed to the product information being displayed only on the lower portion of the container).

In alternative embodiments, an internal surface of the receptacle is configured to abut a radially outer surface of the container body, when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body.

The engagement of these two surfaces helps to ensure the radial location of the receptacle relative to the container. In other words, it helps to ensure the receptacle is centred and nests co-axially with the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle has a rim at its upper end, wherein the rim projects radially outwardly from the container, when the receptacle is coupled with the container body.

Advantageously, an upper surface of the rim can be engaged to easily separate the receptacle from the body, when required.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle is cup-shaped. Specifically, the receptacle has side walls extending upwardly from the base, to define the open chamber for receiving product dispensed from the container.

In exemplary embodiments, it is intended for product to be consumed directly from the receptacle after dispensing through the outlet, without the need to transfer product to a further vessel, e.g. a bowl.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle is configured to be nestable with other receptacles of the same kind and configuration, one inside another.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle has an external lip at its open end, since this may allow the receptacle to be readily gripped within a dispensing apparatus, e.g. in an automated dispensing machine.

Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle is releasably attached to the container by one or more welded points. The or each weld point may be configured to have an attachment strength such that at a certain force (i.e. during dispensing of product through the container outlet) will allow the container and receptacle to become easily separated. In exemplary embodiments, the or each weld point is formed with one of spot welding, laser welding, or radio frequency welding.

Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle may be releasably attached to the container using an adhesive, suitable to allow easy separation under typical dispensing forces.

Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle may include an upstand within the open topped chamber, said upstand being configured to engage with the outlet of the container, in order to releasably couple the receptacle to the container until product is expressed through the outlet (e.g. under a predetermined force).

In exemplary embodiments, an upper portion of the container is domed and configured to deform inwardly (i.e. in the direction of the outlet), for reducing the volume within the container chamber, and causing product to be expressed through the outlet. In exemplary embodiments, the container is of two-part construction, having an upper part and a lower part, wherein the outlet is formed in the lower part and wherein the upper part includes a portion configured to be deformed into the lower part, for dispensing product through the outlet. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the container defines a conduit having an outlet at a lower end thereof and a lid or other part is movable within said conduit (i.e. in the direction of the outlet), in order to reduce the volume within the container compartment and thereby cause product to be expressed through the outlet.

In particularly advantageous embodiments, the arrangement of the container and receptacle is configured so that the receptacle is releasably decoupled from the container body as a result of product being dispensed through the outlet of the container. Such an arrangement is particularly convenient for automated dispensing operations, e.g. wherein the receptacle is configured to be decoupled into a seat located below the container, for collection of product being expressed through the container outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the container body has a central axis and the outlet is concentric with said central axis. Moreover, the receptacle has a central axis, which is concentric with the outlet of the container when the receptacle is releasably coupled with to the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the container further comprises a mechanical locking arrangement for releasably securing the receptacle with the container.

Advantageously, the mechanical locking arrangement may be configured for preventing undesired decoupling of the receptacle from the container, e.g. during transportation from a filling location to a dispensing location.

In exemplary embodiments, the container body includes an external circumferential recess, and the receptacle includes an internal circumferential protrusion, or vice versa, wherein the protrusion is configured to be snap-fittingly or interference-fittingly received in the recess, for providing said mechanical locking arrangement between the container and the receptacle.

In exemplary embodiments, the external recess is provided in a side wall of container body, and the internal protrusion is provided on an internal side wall of the receptacle.

In exemplary embodiments, the external protrusion is provided on an external side wall of the container body, and the internal recess is provided on an internal side wall of the receptacle.

In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle is configured to deform during a dispensing operation, in order to assist decoupling from the container. Advantageously, this may help to avoid the need for additional intervention (such as user intervention) during a dispensing operation, thereby facilitating improved automated dispensing operations.

In exemplary embodiments, an underside of the container body defines a concave portion concentric with and annular to said outlet, and intended to deform outwardly during a dispensing operation. In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle defines a convex surface at the bottom of the open topped chamber, concentric with the central axis thereof, against which the concave portion of the container is intended to act during outward deformation thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the concave portion of the container is intended to nest with the convex surface of the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the convex surface in the receptacle chamber is formed as a result of a concavity in the underside of the receptacle. In exemplary embodiments, at least one reinforcing rib is provided within the concavity on the underside of the receptacle. The reinforcing rib(s), which may form part of a radial array (i.e. with respect to the central axis of the receptacle), provide support for the convex surface, so that it has the strength to stay convex when force is applied via deformation of the container during a dispensing operation.

In exemplary embodiments, the compartment of the container contains a frozen confection such as ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a container comprising a body defining a compartment for storing product to be dispensed, the body having an outlet in a lower region of the body, through which product is to be dispensed from the chamber; the container further comprising a part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet in order to reduce the volume within the chamber, for dispensing product through the outlet; the container further comprising a closure for the outlet, said closure being configured to be releasably coupled with the body of the container, wherein an internal surface of the closure is configured for engagement (e.g. snap or interference fit) with an external surface of the container body, for releasably coupling the receptacle with the container body; and wherein the outlet of the container is covered by the closure, when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.

The invention provides a convenient arrangement for storing and dispensing product from the container. The closure is releasably coupled with the container before, during or after a filling operation, such that product can be stored in the container compartment with the closure releasably attached to the container.

Advantageously, the engagement between the closure and the container body may be configured so that a seal is created between the closure and the container body, meaning that a protective tab or sticker is not required for the outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the container comprises:

-   -   a body defining a compartment containing a frozen confection         selected from one of ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt, the         body having an upper region and a lower region, wherein an         outlet is provided in said lower region, and wherein said frozen         confection is intended to be dispensed from the compartment         through the outlet, in use;     -   wherein a closure is releasably coupled with the body;     -   wherein the lower region of the body extends into the closure         when the closure is releasably coupled with the body;     -   wherein the outlet of the body is covered by the closure when         the closure is releasably coupled with the body;     -   wherein an internal surface of the closure is configured to         engage an external surface of the body, for releasably coupling         the closure with the container body; and     -   wherein the container further comprises a part configured to         move or deform in the direction of the outlet, in order to         reduce volume within the compartment, for dispensing said frozen         confection through the outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the container body defines a side wall formed with a step or shoulder, and wherein the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body at a location below the step or shoulder, when the container is orientated so that the outlet of the container is arranged lowermost.

In exemplary embodiments, an internal profile of the closure is configured to nest with an external profile of the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the body comprises separate first and second parts configured to cooperate with one another (e.g. by fitting together) in order to define said compartment; wherein the first part defines a lower region of the compartment and includes said outlet, and wherein said second part defines an upper region of the compartment (e.g. wherein each of said first and second parts defines 50% of the capacity of the compartment); and wherein said second part is configured to deform in the direction of the outlet, for reducing volume within the compartment and dispensing product through the outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the first part defines a concavity for receiving product to be dispensed during a charging operation, and wherein the second part defines a lid for enclosing charged product in the first part (e.g. with a snap fit or interference fit of said second part on said first part).

In exemplary embodiments, the second part is configured to nest in said first part when the first and second parts cooperate with one another to define said compartment.

In exemplary embodiments, the first part has an internal surface with a step or shoulder onto which a lower end of the second part is received when the second part is nested in said first part.

In exemplary embodiments, the lower region of the compartment nests within the closure when the closure is releasably coupled with the body.

In exemplary embodiments, the internal surface of the closure is configured to engage the external surface of the body in a snap fit and/or interference fit, for releasably coupling the closure with the body.

In exemplary embodiments, the container is configured so that an internal profile of the closure provides a circumferential engagement with an external profile of the body when the closure is releasably coupled with the body.

In exemplary embodiments, the body has an external circumferential protrusion, and the closure includes an internal circumferential recess, or vice versa, wherein the protrusion is configured for snap-fitting or interference-fitting cooperation with the recess, for providing a mechanical locking arrangement between the body and the closure. Optionally, the body defines a bottom surface, which includes said outlet, and a further side wall extending away from said bottom surface, wherein said protrusion or recess is provided on said side wall.

In exemplary embodiments, the closure has an internal profile which includes a base surface; and wherein the container is configured such that said base surface is in contact with an underside of the body when the closure is releasably coupled with the body.

In exemplary embodiments, said base surface is in contact with a circumferential periphery of the outlet (e.g. in order to seal the outlet) when the closure is releasably coupled with the body.

In exemplary embodiments, the base surface defines a projection configured to engage said circumferential periphery of the outlet when the closure is releasably coupled with the body, in order to prevent leakage from the outlet; optionally wherein said projection defines a convex profile; further optionally, wherein said convex profile is the result of a concavity formed in an underside of the closure. In exemplary embodiments, the container body defines an external shoulder, wherein the closure has a rim at its upper end, intended to abut against the shoulder when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the distance between the base of the container and the shoulder is less than the depth of the internal side wall of the closure.

In exemplary embodiments, the distance between the base of the container and the shoulder is less than the depth of the external side wall of the closure. As a result, the closure provides an increased external area onto which product information may be displayed (i.e. as opposed to the product information being displayed only on the lower portion of the container).

It will be understood that an ice bond may exist between the container and the closure in certain applications, e.g. as a result of storage in freezing conditions, in which case heating or some other form of agitation, that may include rotation of container and/or receptacle, may be required to break or reduce said bond, and thereby ensure fully automatic decoupling of the closure from the container as product is expressed from the container outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, an underside of the closure defines an annular surface spaced from but concentric with said central axis. In exemplary embodiments, the annular surface on the underside of the closure may be engaged by a suction device forming part of a dispensing machine, e.g. for assisting decoupling of the closure from the container, for positioning the closure in a desired location for receiving product from the container during a dispensing operation, and/or delivering the closure to a user after a dispensing operation.

In exemplary embodiments, the closure has an external lip at its open end, since this may allow the closure to be readily gripped within a dispensing apparatus, e.g. in an automated dispensing machine.

Additionally or alternatively, the closure is releasably attached to the container by one or more welded points. The or each weld point may be configured to have an attachment strength such that at a certain force (i.e. during dispensing of product through the container outlet) will allow the container and closure to become easily separated. In exemplary embodiments, the or each weld point is formed with one of spot welding, laser welding, or radio frequency welding.

Additionally or alternatively, the closure may be releasably attached to the container using an adhesive, suitable to allow easy separation under typical dispensing forces.

Additionally or alternatively, the closure may include an upstand within the open topped chamber, said upstand being configured to engage with the outlet of the container, in order to releasably couple the closure to the container until product is expressed through the outlet (e.g. under a predetermined force).

In exemplary embodiments, an upper portion of the container is domed and configured to deform inwardly (i.e. in the direction of the outlet), for reducing the volume within the container chamber, and causing product to be expressed through the outlet. In exemplary embodiments, the container is of two-part construction, having an upper part and a lower part, wherein the outlet is formed in the lower part and wherein the upper part is configured includes a portion configured to be deformed in to the lower part, for dispensing product through the outlet. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the container defines a conduit having an outlet at a lower end thereof and a lid or other part is movable within said conduit (i.e. in the direction of the outlet), in order to reduce the volume within the container compartment and thereby cause product to be expressed through the outlet.

In exemplary embodiments, the arrangement of the container and closure is configured so that the closure is releasably decoupled from the container body as a result of product being dispensed through the outlet of the container. Such an arrangement is particularly convenient for automated dispensing operations.

In exemplary embodiments, the container body has a central axis and the outlet is concentric with said central axis. Moreover, the closure a central axis, which is concentric with the outlet of the container when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the closure is configured to be nestable with other containers of the same kind and configuration, one inside another.

In exemplary embodiments, an underside of the container body defines a concave portion concentric with and annular to said outlet, and intended to deform outwardly during a dispensing operation. In exemplary embodiments, the closure defines a convex surface at the bottom of the open topped chamber, concentric with the central axis thereof, against which the concave portion of the container is intended to act during outward deformation thereof.

In exemplary embodiments, the concave portion of the container is intended to nest with the convex surface of the closure when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the container further comprises a mechanical locking arrangement for releasably securing the closure with the container.

Advantageously, the mechanical locking arrangement may be configured for preventing undesired decoupling of the closure from the container, e.g. during transportation from a filling location to a dispensing location.

In exemplary embodiments, the container body includes an external circumferential recess, and the closure includes an internal circumferential protrusion, or vice versa, wherein the protrusion is configured to be snap-fittingly or interference-fittingly received in the recess, for providing said mechanical locking arrangement between the container and the closure. In exemplary embodiments, the external recess is provided in a side wall of container body, and the internal protrusion is provided on an internal side wall of the closure.

In exemplary embodiments, the closure is configured to deform during a dispensing operation, in order to assist decoupling from the container. Advantageously, this may help to avoid the need for additional intervention (such as user intervention) during a dispensing operation, thereby facilitating improved automated dispensing operations.

In exemplary embodiments, said open topped chamber may include a bottom surface configured to be arranged adjacent the underside of the container when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body, and wherein at least a portion of said bottom surface is biased inwardly, so as to project in the direction of the container outlet when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body; wherein said inwardly biased portion of the base is configured to be deflected outwardly (i.e. away from the outlet) as product is dispensed through the outlet; and wherein the closure is configured to decouple from the container as a result of said deflection. In exemplary embodiments, the inwardly biased portion is concentric with the outlet of the container.

In exemplary embodiments, at least part of an underside of the closure is configured to define a concavity, thereby defining a convex surface within the closure, concentric with the central axis thereof; and wherein said convex surface is configured to be deflected outwardly (i.e. away from the outlet) as product is dispensed through the outlet of the container, when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body; and wherein the closure is configured to decouple from the container as a result of said deflection. In exemplary embodiments, an underside of the container body includes a concave portion concentric with and annular to said outlet, and intended to nest with the convex surface of the closure when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.

In exemplary embodiments, the compartment of the container contains a semi-solid product to be dispensed, e.g. ice-cream or other frozen food product.

For all aspects of the invention, the outlet may comprise one or more movable elements, which are moved outwardly (away from the internal compartment of the container body), during a dispensing operation through the outlet. These movable elements may apply a load to the receptacle/closure (e.g. to an internal surface of the receptacle located adjacent the outlet, when the receptacle or closure is releasably coupled with the container body), in order to assist release of the receptacle from the container during a dispensing operation (i.e. when product is discharged through the outlet of the container body). Examples of such movable elements are known from prior patent applications, such as WO2014/184579, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other aspects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the appended claims and the following description of embodiments, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, with the container shown in a decoupled state;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, including product stored in the container;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, showing a piston applying force to the container;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, showing product being dispensed from an outlet of the container; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, showing product that has been dispensed into a receptacle of the container;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second container in a decoupled state;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 7 in a coupled state; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 7 in a coupled state.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a container for product to be dispensed is indicated at 10. The container 10 has a body 12 defining a compartment 11 for storing product to be dispensed. An outlet 14 is provided in a lower region of the body 12, through which product is to be dispensed from the compartment 11.

In this embodiment, the body 12 takes the form of separate first and second parts 12A, 12B (i.e. a lower part and an upper part) which are configured to cooperate with one another (e.g. by fitting together, as illustrated) to define the compartment 11.

The first or lower part 12A defines the lower region of the compartment (and includes said outlet 14). The second or upper part 12B defines an upper region of the compartment 11. In this embodiment, each of said first and second parts 12A, 12B defines 50% of the capacity of the compartment 11). It will be understood that the first part 12A defines a concavity for receiving product to be dispensed during a charging operation, when separated from the second part 12B. It will also be understood that the second part 12B defines a lid for enclosing charged product in the first part 12A (e.g. with a snap fit or interference fit of said second part 12B on said first part 12A), as shown in FIG. 2.

The first part 12A defines a concavity for receiving the second part 12B, and the second part 12B is configured to nest in said first part 12A when the first and second parts 12A, 12B cooperate with one another to define said compartment 11, as illustrated. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first part 12A has an internal surface with a step or shoulder 63C onto which a lower end of the second part 12B is received when the second part 12A is nested in said first part 12A.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, the first part 12A of the body 12 has tapered lower and upper side wall portions 63A, 63B between which is provided a shoulder 63C. The lower and upper side wall portions 63A, 63B taper outwardly in the axial direction terminating at the upper edge in a lip 64. The angle of taper is approximately 5° to the vertical (but may be in the range of 1° to 10°).

A base surface 65 of the first part 12A is generally planar, merging into the lower side wall portion 63A through a radiused portion 66. Centrally of the base portion 65 is formed the outlet 14.

The second part 12B of the body 12 includes a peripheral lip 70 which is arranged to engage over the lip 64 of the first part 12A, for securing the second part 12B to the first part 12B. The inter-fitting of the lip 70 with the lip 64 is, as shown, by a snap-fitting or clip action, but it may be provided by welding, heat sealing or by the first and second parts 12A, 12B being in an interference fit with one another.

The lip 64 on the first part 12A of the body 12 is arranged to fit into a downward-facing annular channel of the lip 70 and has a thickened region 77 which interfits with the thickened region 76 when the first part 12A and second part 12B of the body 12 are brought together to secure the second part 12B onto the first part 12A of the body 12.

The second part 12B has a central deformable region 71 which is generally planar in the form of a disc, and which merges through a radius 72 with deformable folded over portions 73 and 74, the lip 70 being formed at the upper edge of the folded over portion 74. At the junction between the downwardly directed folded over portion 73 and the upwardly directed folded over portion 74 there is a portion 75 which, when the second part 12B is secured to the first part 12A, is located half way down the body 12 and against the shoulder 63C. The portion 74 is tapered to match the taper of the side wall 63B of the first part 12A.

At least the regions 71, 72 and 73 of the second part 12B are formed of flexible material so that the second part 12B can deform during dispensing of product from the compartment 11, e.g. by engagement of a plunger with the central region 71 of the second part 12B.

In the assembled condition (i.e. with the first and second parts 12A, 12B cooperating with one another to define the compartment 11), the body 12 containing product may be frozen, transported and stored. Prior to dispensing of product from the compartment 11 of the body 12, the product may be tempered to a suitable dispensing temperature in the case of ice cream or other frozen confectionery product or, in some cases, the product within the body 12 may be heated, e.g. by microwave means.

The first and second parts 12A, 12B can be manufactured separately. To assemble the body 12, the second part 12B is clipped onto the first part 12A with, in this embodiment, the snap-fit arrangement between the lip 70 and the lip 64. This assembly step can be done at an assembly location that is remote from the location or locations that the first and second parts 12A, 12B are manufactured. To enable the first and second parts to be transported easily and efficiently, each second part 12B can nest with other identical second parts 12B to create a stack of second parts 12B. Similarly, each first part 12A can nest with other identical first parts 12A to create a stack of first parts 12A.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the second part 12B has at least one vertical rib 78 projecting radially inwardly from an internal surface of the folded over portion 74. The first part 12A also has at least one vertical rib 80 projecting from a radially external surface. In this embodiment, the second part 12B has multiple ribs 78 and the first part 12A has multiple ribs 80. Preferably, the vertical ribs 80 project radially outwardly from the upper side wall portion 63B of the first part 12A, and extend vertically downwardly from the lip 64 partway down the upper side wall portion 63B. Preferably, the vertical ribs 78 project radially inwardly from the folded over portion 74 of the second part 12B, and extend vertically upwardly from the portion 75 part-way up the folder over portion 74.

The vertical rib 78 of the second part 12B has the function of engaging a further second part 12B when multiple second part 12B are stacked together. This helps to prevent the second parts 12B being pushed too close to one another, and therefore reduces the risk that it will be difficult to separate the second parts 12B from one another at the assembly location. The vertical rib 80 of the first part 12A has the function of engaging a further first part 12A when multiple first parts 12A are stacked together. This helps to prevent the first parts 12A being pushed too close to one another, and therefore reduces the risk that it will be difficult to separate the first parts 12A from one another at the assembly location.

In practice, at an assembly location, a first part 12A is removed from a stack of first part 12A and charged with product. A second part 12B is removed from a stack of second parts 12B and fitted on the first part 12A, for example, with the snap-fit arrangement between the lip 70 and the lip 64.

A receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the body 12 of the container 10. The receptacle 40 defines an open chamber 41, when decoupled from the container body 12, for receiving product dispensed through the outlet 14. An internal surface 42 of the receptacle 40 is configured for engagement (e.g. snap or interference fit) with an external surface 18 at the lower region of the container body 12, for releasably coupling the receptacle 40 with the container body 12. The outlet 14 of the container 10 is covered by the receptacle 40 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the container body 12. The lower region of the body 12 extends into the chamber 41 of the receptacle 40 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the body 12 of the container 10.

The invention provides a convenient arrangement for storing and dispensing product from the container 10. The receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the body 12 before, during or after a filling operation, such that product can be stored in the body compartment 11 with the receptacle 40 releasably attached to the body 12. The receptacle 40 is thereby conveniently located for use during a dispensing operation through said outlet 14, where it can be released from the container body 12 and used to collect product being dispensed through the outlet 14.

Advantageously, the engagement between the receptacle 40 and the container body 12 may be configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle 40 and the container body 12, meaning that a protective tab or sticker is not required for the outlet 14; effectively, the receptacle 40 becomes a closure for the outlet 14.

The arrangement of the body 12 and receptacle 40 may be configured so that the receptacle 40 is releasably decoupled from the container body 12 as a result of product being dispensed through the outlet 14 of the container 10. Such an arrangement is particularly convenient for automated dispensing operations, e.g. wherein the receptacle 40 is decoupled into a seat located below the body 12, for collection of product being expressed through the outlet 14.

The container body 12 has a central axis and the outlet 14 is concentric with said central axis. The receptacle 40 also has a central axis, which is concentric with the outlet 14 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the container body 12.

The receptacle 40 is configured to be nestable with other receptacles of the same kind and configuration, one inside another.

The receptacle 40 is releasably secured to the body 12, e.g. by a mechanical locking arrangement. The mechanical locking arrangement is configured for preventing undesired decoupling of the receptacle 40 from the body 10, e.g. during transportation from a filling location to a dispensing location. In this embodiment, the container body 12 includes an external circumferential recess 20, and the receptacle 40 includes an internal circumferential protrusion 44. The protrusion 44 is configured to be snap-fittingly or interference-fittingly received in the recess 20, for providing said mechanical locking arrangement between the container body 12 and the receptacle 40.

In this embodiment, the external recess 20 is provided in a side wall 22 of the container body 12, and the internal protrusion 44 is provided on an internal side wall 46 of the receptacle 40.

The receptacle 40 may be configured to deform during a dispensing operation, in order to assist decoupling from the container body 12. This may help to avoid the need for additional intervention (such as user intervention) during a dispensing operation, thereby facilitating improved automated dispensing operations.

In exemplary embodiments (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 2), an underside of the container body 12 defines a concave portion 24 concentric with and annular to said outlet 14, and which is intended to deform outwardly during a dispensing operation. For cooperation therewith, a base surface 55 of the receptacle 40 defines a projection configured to engage a circumferential periphery of the outlet 14, when the receptacle 40 is coupled with the container body 12. In this embodiment, the receptacle 40 defines a convex surface 48 at the bottom of the open chamber, concentric with the central axis thereof, against which the concave portion 24 of the body 12 is intended to act during outward deformation thereof. The concave portion 24 of the body 12 is intended to nest with the convex surface 48 of the receptacle 40 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the container body 12.

The convex surface 48 in the receptacle chamber 41 is formed as a result of a concavity 50 in the underside of the receptacle 40.

In this embodiment, at least one reinforcing rib 52 is provided within the concavity 50 on the underside of the receptacle 40. The reinforcing rib(s), which may form part of a radial array (i.e. with respect to the central axis of the receptacle), provide support for the convex surface 48 of the receptacle 40, so that it has the strength to stay convex when force is applied via deformation of the container 10 during a dispensing operation.

In exemplary embodiments, the engagement between the receptacle 40 and the container body 12 is configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle 40 and the container body 12.

In exemplary embodiments, an internal profile of the receptacle 40 is configured to nest with an external profile of the container body 12.

The container body 12 defines an external shoulder surface 26, wherein the receptacle 40 has a rim 54 at its upper end, intended to abut against the shoulder surface 26 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the container body 12.

The chamber 41 of the receptacle 40 is suitable for receiving the volume of product stored within said compartment of the body 12. However, in use, the receptacle 40 can be simply disposed of by a user prior to a dispensing operation. In such instances, the receptacle 40 only acts as a closure to protect product stored in the body 12, and the product may be dispensed into a different vessel.

It will be understood that an ice bond may exist between the body 12 and the receptacle 40, e.g. as a result of storage in freezing conditions, in which case heating or some other form of agitation, that may include rotation of the body 12 and/or receptacle 40, may be required to break or reduce said bond, and thereby ensure fully automatic decoupling of the receptacle 40 from the body 12 as product is expressed from the outlet 14.

An underside of the receptacle 40 defines an annular surface 58 spaced from but concentric with said central axis. The annular surface 58 on the underside of the receptacle 40 may be engaged by a suction device forming part of a dispensing machine, e.g. for assisting decoupling of the receptacle 40 from the body 12, for positioning the receptacle 40 in a desired location for receiving product from the container 10 during a dispensing operation, and/or delivering the receptacle 40 to a user after a dispensing operation.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show an example of automatic dispensing. When used in an automatic dispensing machine, a piston 70 engages the second part 12B of the body 12, to deform it inwardly (i.e. in the direction of the outlet 14), reducing the volume within the compartment 11 and causing product to be expressed through the outlet 14.

As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 4, the concave portion 24 deforms outwardly during a dispensing operation due to the force of product being pushed downwardly by the piston 70.

FIGS. 5 and 6 shows how the force of the concave portion being deformed outwardly acts against the convex surface 48 of the receptacle 40, the receptacle 40 being releasably decoupled from the container body 12 as a result, and product being dispensed from the container body 12 into the receptacle 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 10, a further container for product to be dispensed is indicated at 100.

The container 100 is very similar to the container 10 of FIGS. 1 to 6. The container 100 has a body 112 defining a compartment 111 for storing product to be dispensed; the body 112 has an upper region and a lower region, with an outlet 114 provided in said lower region (wherein product is intended to be dispensed from the compartment 111 through the outlet 114, in use); a receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112, said receptacle 140 defining an open chamber 141, when decoupled from the body 112, for receiving product dispensed through said outlet 114; the lower region of the body 112 extends into the chamber 141 of the receptacle 140 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112; the outlet 114 of the body 112 is covered by the receptacle 140 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112; an internal surface 142 of the receptacle 140 is configured to engage an external surface 118 of the body 112, for releasably coupling the receptacle 140 with the container body 112; and the container 100 further comprises a part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet 114, in order to reduce volume within the compartment 111, for dispensing product through the outlet 114.

As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the body 112 is defined by separate first and second parts 112A, 112B configured to cooperate with one another (e.g. by fitting together) in order to define the compartment 111 for storing frozen confection (e.g. selected from one of ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt).

The first part 112A defines a lower region of the compartment 111 and includes said outlet 114, and the second part 1128 defines an upper region of the compartment 111. Each of said first and second parts 112A, 1128 defines 50% of the capacity of the compartment 111.

In particular, the second part 1128 is configured to deform in the direction of the outlet 114, for reducing volume within the compartment 111 and dispensing product through the outlet 114. To that extent, the second part 1128 may be constructed in the same or substantially the same manner as the second part 1128 of the body 12 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the first part 112A defines a concavity for receiving product to be dispensed during a charging operation, and the second part 112B defines a lid for enclosing charged product in the first part 112A (e.g. with a snap fit or interference fit of said second part 112B on said first part 112A).

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the second part 1128 is configured to nest in said first part 112A when the first and second parts 112A, 112B cooperate with one another to define said compartment 111.

The first part 112A has an internal surface with a step or shoulder 163 onto which a lower end of the second part 112B is received when the second part 1128 is nested in said first part 112A.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the lower region of the compartment 111 nests within the chamber 141 of the receptacle 140 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the internal surface of the receptacle 140 is configured to engage the external surface of the body 112 in a snap fit and/or interference fit, for releasably coupling the receptacle 140 with the body 112.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the container 100 is configured so that an internal profile of the receptacle 140 provides circumferential engagement with an external profile of the body 112 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112. The internal profile of the receptacle 140 has a diameter in the range of 70 to 100 mm. The circumferential engagement between said internal profile of the receptacle 140 and said external profile of the body 112 extends in an axial direction along a distance in the range of 10 to 20 mm. Said circumferential engagement extends axially along complimentary side wall portions 156A, 163A of said internal profile of the receptacle 140 and said external profile of the body 112.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the body 112 has an external circumferential protrusion, and the receptacle includes 140 an internal circumferential recess, or vice versa. The protrusion is configured for snap-fitting or interference-fitting cooperation with the recess, for providing a mechanical locking arrangement between the body and the receptacle. The body 112 defines a bottom surface, which includes said outlet 114, and a further side wall extending away from said bottom surface, wherein said protrusion or recess is provided on said side wall. In this embodiment, there is a protrusion 120 on the side wall 163B of the body 112 and a recess 144 on a side wall portion 156B of the receptacle 140.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the engagement between the receptacle 140 and the container body 112 is configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle 140 and the container body 112.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the receptacle 140 has an internal profile which includes a base surface 155 at the bottom of the chamber 141. The container 100 is configured such that said base surface 155 is in contact with an underside of the body 112 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112. The base surface 155 is in contact with a circumferential periphery of the outlet 114 (e.g. in order to seal the outlet 114) when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the base surface 155 defines a projection configured to engage said a circumferential periphery of the outlet 114 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112, in order to prevent leakage from the outlet 114. The projection defines a convex profile, which may be the result of a concavity formed in an underside of the receptacle 140.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the body 112 has tapered lower and upper side wall portions 163A, 163B between which is a shoulder 163C. The lower and upper side wall portions 163A, 163B taper outwardly in the axial direction terminating at the upper edge in a lip 164. The angle of taper from the vertical is preferably between 1° and 10°, even more preferably between 4° and 6°. In this embodiment, it is 4.5°.

A base portion 165 of the body 112 is generally planar, merging into the lower side wall portion 163A through a radiused portion 166. Centrally of the base portion 165 is formed the outlet 114.

The receptacle 140 has a rim 154 at its upper end, and the substantially planar base 155 at its bottom end. Between the rim 154 and the base 155 are a lower side wall 156A and upper side wall 156B, and a shoulder 156C between the lower and upper side walls 156A, 156B. The upper side wall 156B defines a collar projecting in an axially upward projection from the shoulder 156C. The rim 154 and the shoulder 156C are generally planar and extend in a radial direction, perpendicular to the central axis of the receptacle. The lower and upper side walls 156A, 156B taper to match the lower and upper side wall portions 163A, 163B of the body 112 of the container 100, i.e. they taper outward in the upward direction terminating. The angle of taper from the vertical is preferably between 1° and 10°, even more preferably between 4° and 6°. In this embodiment, it is 4.5°.

The upper side wall 156B defines an internal surface 156B′. The lower side wall 156A defines an internal surface 156A′. The shoulder 156C defines an upper shoulder surface 156C′. The base 155 defines an upper surface 155′. The rim 154 defines an upper surface 154′.

Between the internal surface 156A′ and the base 155 is a radius. It can been seen from FIG. 8 that the radius is only internally of the receptacle 140. The external surface of the lower side wall 156A extends downwardly to define a skirt 157 between the lower side wall 156A and a bottom surface of the base 155. This helps to maximise the external surface area of the lower side wall 156A, to provide more space for marketing, e.g. a label on the outside of the receptacle. The skirt 157 projects downwardly further than the base 155, and annularly surrounds the base 155 with a recess 159 defined by a curved transition between the skirt 157 and the bottom surface of the base 155.

It can be seen therefore that, as shown in FIG. 10, when the receptacle 140 is coupled with the container body 112, the taper of the receptacle 140 and the body 112 helps to ensure that the receptacle 140 and the body 112 are in contact. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the upper surface 155′ of the base 155 of the receptacle 140 contacts a bottom surface of the base 165 of the body 112. This contact correctly locates the receptacle 140 in the vertical direction. The internal surface 156A′ contacts an external surface of the lower side wall 163A of the body 112. The internal surface 156B′ contacts an external surface of the upper side wall 163B of the body 112. The protrusion 120 contacts the recess 144.

In this embodiment, the exact taper of the receptacle 140 and body 112 are chosen such that there is an interference fit between the receptacle 140 and body 112. There is also the mechanical locking arrangement in the form of the snap fit arrangement between the protrusion 120 of the body and the recess 144 of the receptacle 140. It will be appreciated though that, in some embodiments, there will only be the mechanical locking arrangement or the interference fit, and not both.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the mechanical locking arrangement is located below the shoulder 63C of the container body 12, when the container body 12 and receptacle 40 are coupled. In this embodiment, the mechanical locking arrangement is located above the shoulder 163C of the container body 112, when the container body 112 and receptacle 140 are coupled. As mentioned, the location of the mechanical locking arrangement in each embodiment could be swapped, or there could be one or more mechanical lock arrangements above and/or or below the shoulder 63C, 163C of the container body 12, 112. In other embodiments, there could be no shoulder on the container body at all. In such embodiments, one or more mechanical locking arrangements could be provided between the container body and the receptacle. In such embodiments, there could be an interference fit between the container body and the receptacle as an alternative to the one or more mechanical locking arrangements, or in addition. In such embodiments, the distance of the circumferential engagement in the axial direction between the internal profile of the receptacle and the external profile of the container body could be greater than 20 mm; the range could be, for example, 10 to 30 mm.

In the current embodiment, the upper surface 156C′ of the receptacle 140 is spaced from the bottom surface of the shoulder 163C of the body 112 when the receptacle 140 is coupled with the body 112, because of the engagement of the upper surface 155′ of the base 155 of the receptacle 140 and the bottom surface of the base 165 of the body 112.

When the receptacle 140 is coupled with the body 112, the rim 154 projects radially outwardly from the container body 112. This is advantageous, as the upper surface 154′ can be engaged to easily separate the receptacle 140 from the body 112, when required.

As described above, when the receptacle 140 is coupled with the container body 112, the internal surface 1568′ of the receptacle 140 contacts the external surface of the upper side wall 163B of the container body 112. Advantageously, this circumferential engagement of the two surfaces helps to ensure the radial location of the receptacle 140 relative to the container body 112, i.e. it helps to ensure co-axial nesting of the container body 112 in the receptacle 140. For example, it helps to ensure the receptacle 140 and container body 112 are concentric, so the convex portion 148 engages the outlet 114 to seal the outlet 114.

In this embodiment, the body 112 nests with the receptacle 140. A described above, internal surfaces 155′, 156A′ of the receptacle 140 contact external surfaces of the base 165 and lower side wall 163A of the container body 112. The radiused portion 166 does not contact the radius between the internal surface 156A′ and the base 155; the radii are different.

The chamber of the receptacle 140 is dimensioned such that it is suitable for receiving the volume of product stored within said compartment 111 of the container body 112.

As mentioned above, the diameter of the body 112 where the lower side wall 163A meets the shoulder 163C should be between 70 mm and 100 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter of the body 112 where the lower side wall 163A meets the shoulder 163C is approximately 75 mm.

The diameter of the receptacle 140 where the lower side wall 156A meets the shoulder 156C should also be between 70 mm and 100 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter of the receptacle 140 where the lower side wall 156A meets the shoulder 156C is approximately 75 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter of the receptacle 140 where the rim 154 meets the upper side wall 1568 is approximately 85 mm.

These dimensions of the container body 112 and receptacle 140 help to ensure that the receptacle 140 is an ergonomic size, and ideally suited for holding in one hand by a user, e.g. wherein a user can consumer product using a spoon held in their other hand.

The vertical distance in the axial direction between the shoulder 156C and the base 155 of the receptacle 140 should be between 20 and 40 mm. In this embodiment, the vertical distance between the shoulder 156C and the base 155 of the receptacle 140 is approximately 23 mm. The internal surface 156A′ should be in contact with the external surface of the lower side wall 163A over a vertical distance of 10 to 20 mm. In this embodiment, the internal surface 156A′ is in contact with the external surface of the lower side wall 163A over a vertical distance of approximately 12 mm.

The receptacle 40, 140 can be manufactured from any suitable material. In the above embodiments, the receptacle 40, 140 is injection moulded from plastics. Alternatively, however, the receptacle 40, 140 could be manufactured from paper or board material. 

1. A container for product to be dispensed, the container comprising: a body defining a compartment for storing product to be dispensed, the body having an upper region and a lower region, wherein an outlet is provided in said lower region, and wherein product is intended to be dispensed from the compartment through the outlet, in use; wherein a receptacle is releasably coupled with the body, said receptacle defining an open chamber, when decoupled from the body, for receiving product dispensed through said outlet; wherein the lower region of the body extends into the chamber of the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body; wherein the outlet of the body is covered by the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body; wherein an internal surface of the receptacle is configured to engage an external surface of the body, for releasably coupling the receptacle with the container body; and wherein the container further comprises a part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet, in order to reduce volume within the compartment, for dispensing product through the outlet.
 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises separate first and second parts configured to cooperate with one another (e.g. by fitting together) in order to define said compartment; wherein the first part defines a lower region of the compartment and includes said outlet, and wherein said second part defines an upper region of the compartment (e.g. wherein each of said first and second parts defines 50% of the capacity of the compartment); and wherein said second part is configured to deform in the direction of the outlet, for reducing volume within the compartment and dispensing product through the outlet.
 3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the first part defines a concavity for receiving product to be dispensed during a charging operation, and wherein the second part defines a lid for enclosing charged product in the first part (e.g. with a snap fit or interference fit of said second part on said first part).
 4. A container according to claim 2, wherein the second part is configured to nest in said first part when the first and second parts cooperate with one another to define said compartment.
 5. A container according to claim 4, wherein the first part has an internal surface with a step or shoulder onto which a lower end of the second part is received when the second part is nested in said first part.
 6. A container according to claim 2, wherein the lower region of the compartment nests within the chamber of the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body.
 7. A container according to claim 1, wherein the internal surface of the receptacle is configured to engage the external surface of the body in a snap fit and/or interference fit, for releasably coupling the receptacle with the body.
 8. A container according to claim 1, wherein the container is configured so that an internal profile of the receptacle provides a circumferential engagement with an external profile of the body when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body.
 9. A container according to claim 8, wherein said internal profile of the receptacle has a diameter in the range of 70 to 100 mm and wherein the circumferential engagement between said internal profile of the receptacle and said external profile of the body extends in an axial direction along a distance in the range of 10 to 20 mm.
 10. A container according to claim 8, wherein said circumferential engagement extends axially along complimentary tapered side wall portions of said internal profile of the receptacle and said external profile of the body.
 11. A container according to claim 8, wherein the internal profile of the receptacle comprises a shoulder portion at an upper end of the open chamber and a collar projecting in an axially upward direction from the shoulder portion, optionally wherein a rim projects radially outwardly from an upper end of the collar.
 12. A container according to claim 11, wherein the container is configured so that there is a snap fit or interference fit between a radially internal surface of the collar and a portion of the external profile of the container body, when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body.
 13. A container according to claim 1, wherein the body has an external circumferential protrusion, and the receptacle includes an internal circumferential recess, or vice versa, wherein the protrusion is configured for snap-fitting or interference-fitting cooperation with the recess, for providing a mechanical locking arrangement between the body and the receptacle; optionally, wherein the body defines a bottom surface, which includes said outlet, and a further side wall extending away from said bottom surface, wherein said protrusion or recess is provided on said side wall.
 14. A container according to claim 1, wherein the engagement between the receptacle and the container body is configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle and the container body.
 15. A container according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle has an internal profile which includes a base surface at the bottom of the chamber; and wherein the container is configured such that said base surface is in contact with an underside of the body when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body.
 16. A container according to claim 15, wherein said base surface is in contact with a circumferential periphery of the outlet (e.g. in order to seal the outlet) when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body.
 17. A container according to claim 16, wherein the base surface defines a projection configured to engage said circumferential periphery of the outlet when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body, in order to prevent leakage from the outlet; optionally wherein said projection defines a convex profile; further optionally, wherein said convex profile is the result of a concavity formed in an underside of the receptacle.
 18. A container according to claim 1, wherein the compartment contains a frozen confection such as ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt.
 19. A container for product to be dispensed, the container comprising: a body defining a compartment containing a frozen confection selected from one of ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt, the body having an upper region and a lower region, wherein an outlet is provided in said lower region, and wherein said frozen confection is intended to be dispensed from the compartment through the outlet, in use; wherein a receptacle is releasably coupled with the body, said receptacle defining an open chamber, when decoupled from the body, for receiving frozen confection dispensed through said outlet; wherein the lower region of the body extends into the compartment of the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body; wherein the outlet of the body is covered by the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the body; wherein an internal surface of the receptacle is configured to engage an external surface of the body, for releasably coupling the receptacle with the container body; and wherein the container further comprises a part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet, in order to reduce volume within the compartment, for dispensing said frozen confection through the outlet.
 20. A container for product to be dispensed, the container comprising: a body defining a compartment containing a frozen confection selected from one of ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt, the body having an upper region and a lower region, wherein an outlet is provided in said lower region, and wherein said frozen confection is intended to be dispensed from the compartment through the outlet, in use; wherein a closure is releasably coupled with the body; wherein the lower region of the body extends into the closure when the closure is releasably coupled with the body; wherein the outlet of the body is covered by the closure when the closure is releasably coupled with the body; wherein an internal surface of the closure is configured to engage an external surface of the body, for releasably coupling the closure with the container body; and wherein the container further comprises a part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet, in order to reduce volume within the compartment, for dispensing said frozen confection through the outlet. 